Many family members admit that they sensed something was off with their loved one for sometime until the signs of addiction became obvious. These are some of the signs you might be noticing if you think your loved one is struggling with addiction.
They’re showing signs of obsessive thinking
You’ve never known your loved one to be so interested in drugs or alcohol. Lately, it seems as though that’s all they can talk about, which leads you to question if it is all they are thinking about. The brain develops an obsession of craving which creates a compulsive urge to use. Slowly, more things involve drugs. More of their life includes events where drugs are being used. Eventually, their time becomes preoccupied with the use of drugs.
They aren’t available to spend time with you anymore
The more of a role drugs start to play in their life, the more they feel the need to hide their drugs from you. In an effort to spend more time using drugs, they start spending less time with you. If your family has a regular nightly meeting or outings, you’ll notice your loved one is coming up with more excuses as to why they cannot make it.
They are hanging out with new people who give you a strange vibe
A change in social circles is a common sign for drug addiction. Don’t be too quick to judge, you might be surprised by who has a drug addiction and who does not. Likely, you will pick up a strange energy from this shift in social circles. For example, you might not meet new friends at all as your loved one doesn’t bring them over. You may not know their names or anything about them. Should you meet them, you feel as though they are on drugs and they might be a negative influence on your loved one.
They don’t look healthy
Addiction affects the mind and the body. The signs of addiction will show in the face, the eyes, skin color, skin texture, and weight. Changes in appearance might not be drastic, though they can be. Most often, there will be a noticeable enough change, like when your loved one doesn’t get enough sleep. Their mind and their body is being exhausted by drugs.
They are struggling with money
Until recently, your loved one has been self-sufficient with money. Lately, they’ve been asking to borrow, saying they’re missing something in their budgeting, or they just need help getting out of a tight spot due to unexpected costs. Drug addiction can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars a day.
We’re here to help your loved one write a different story for their life. Addiction doesn’t have to end in misery. It can end in recovery. Oceanfront Recovery is an all treatment center providing a full continuum of residential treatment options for dual diagnosis addiction and mental health care. For information, call us today: (877) 279-1777
